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South Tyrol Village Plans Camera Gate to Stem Social-Media Tourist Surge

A €20,000 access barrier is slated to start by May to control vehicle access near St. Magdalena’s church.

Overview

  • Local authorities have raised bus parking fees and set up ropes and signage to mark private areas, yet short photo stops continue to overwhelm the village.
  • Broadcaster ORF reported a second gate is being added after visitors repeatedly drove around the first barrier.
  • Tour operators now include the site on day trips, and a €250 bus fee has done little to dissuade coaches using the narrow valley roads.
  • Residents describe trespassing, trampled meadows and litter, with some saying tourists have entered kitchens and farm stalls despite private property signs.
  • The location’s online fame grew through Instagram, TikTok and Xiaohongshu, with the mayor citing an earlier Chinese telecom advertisement as a key spark.